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Maritime employees who work with barges know just how heavy-duty the equipment involved is. Barges, large flat-bottom boats carrying cargo usually in ports, canals, or rivers, are massive themselves. While slow-moving, they are still formidable watercraft. Accidents involving barges are usually quite serious and can result in extensive maritime injuries for people involved.
If you or a loved one have been injured while working on the water, a Pascagoula barge accident lawyer could help you seek recovery for your injuries. This could include lost income for time away from work, and potentially compensation for physical pain and mental anguish you have experienced. Reach out to a seasoned maritime injury attorney to discuss your case.
Damages that are available to plaintiffs in maritime tort personal injury cases include both economic and non-economic damages, with certain limitations. These are damages under various causes of action include the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, and other maritime laws, including negligence-based tort claims.
In almost every case, the plaintiff may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as medical bills, treatments, procedures, emergency services care, hospital stays, and medication from the accident. The law recognizes the need to compensate victims for both bills, and expenses stemming from future treatment. Plaintiffs can also seek other medical, rehabilitative, or adaptive accident-related expenses.
Additionally, a plaintiff can seek compensation for lost wages due to time off work. If the plaintiff is unable to work for some time, and their earning capacity has diminished due to lasting injuries from the accident, they may be able to recover for future lost wages.
This is a subjective class of damages that differs from case to case. A range of factors, including the extent, seriousness, and duration of the plaintiff’s injuries, cause variability in award amounts. Catastrophic injuries will generally bestow a higher recovery on Pascagoula barge accident victims than minor injuries. Plaintiffs can also obtain compensation for physical pain and suffering and mental anguish.
A case might warrant punitive damages if the defendant engaged in willful or wanton conduct. An experienced Pascagoula barge accident attorney could appraise a client’s situation and advise them about what damages might be available.
There are rules governing how long a plaintiff has to bring a lawsuit. The statute of limitations is to encourage plaintiffs to act swiftly. If the claim is not filed within the statute of limitations, the plaintiff may lose their right to bring a lawsuit.
Under 46 United States Code § 30106, the time limit for bringing a maritime tort claim for personal injuries is three years. This period may vary depending on the circumstance of a particular case.
Filing a maritime injury claim could be difficult with legal help. A skilled attorney could make the process easier and help you seek the compensation you need.
An experienced attorney could help you negotiate with insurance companies or and file a maritime injury lawsuit on your behalf. Call a Pascagoula barge accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.